Motorcycle accidents: you hear about them all the time on the news, and most of them are deadly. There’s an average of 4,000 deaths per year across the United States from motorcycle crashes, whether the driver is at fault or not. Many of these deaths can be prevented through a combination of better motorcycle safety measures and defensive driving. For this reason, the blame over such tragedies often ends up in the courtroom.
The trouble is, deciding the fault for a motorcycle accident isn’t always so simple. Every accident is different, and there are numerous variables involved. Some motorcyclists don’t follow the law. Many don’t wear the proper DOT-approved helmets as required by law, and they drive too aggressively. Some might even operate their vehicles after drinking alcohol and cause injuries in other vehicles as a result.
On the flip side, many other motorcyclists do obey the laws. They not only wear helmets, but they wear protective gear and reflectors so others can see them. They practice defensive driving and follow all rules of the road. Then a negligent driver doesn’t pay attention and cuts them off while changing lanes.
The blame game isn’t always so clear-cut, as accidents can still happen when you do follow all the rules. It is important for all drivers to play it safe on the road, no matter what vehicle you operate. If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle-related accident, it is always important to seek both medical and legal help right away.
